Jeanette Sawyer Cohen, PhD, clinical assistant professor of psychology in pediatrics at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City

Pediatric Psychologist

How to Keep Toddler Busy While Waiting?

How do I keep my toddler busy (and well-behaved!) when there’s a wait?

In addition to the usual snacks and toys, there’s at least one other important thing to have on hand: Your sense of adventure. If you act excited or curious about your environment, your toddler will, too. So turn the things around you into a game: If you’re in the car, see who can spot the red car or blue house first; if you’re waiting in line, search your surroundings for “I Spy” material. Remember, your toddler naturally lives in the moment. The more you can do to make the atmosphere fun, the faster the time passes.